E.—ld

2

advantages gained by this drill are well known, and I need not dilate on them. To further advance proficiency in physical training it is proposed that a new manual should be issued, and the Education Boards express themselves anxious to have this done. Annual competitions should be encouraged at the large centres. Uniforms. —The regulations do not make uniforms compulsory or specify any particular uniform; the approval of uniforms is left with you. I found the general opinion was in favour of a cheap and serviceable uniform which could also be used for school purposes, so that parents might not be put to any great expense. The general idea was that blue jerseys, blue knickerbockers, and stockings would meet all requirements; the head-dress to be the glengarry cap laid down in the regulations. For officers it was suggested that the uniform should consist of the service frock of blue cloth and trousers of the same material with a scarlet welt ; head-dress same as for the rank and file. Such a uniform would not cost much, and would be of the serviceregulation pattern. Of course, corps which already possess a uniform would not be required to change it. Gamps of Instruction. —For obvious reasons I would recommend these being encouraged. As they would be held at a time when the Volunteers would not be in camp, no difficulty should be experienced with regard to the necessary equipment, which might be lent by the Government; or, if possible, quarter the corps in a large school or some other suitable building or buildings, provided that a suitable training-ground and rifle range were within a reasonable marching distance from their quarters. I need not point out to you the advantages which would be gained through practical work by all ranks. These camps should be of at least a week's duration to be of any practical benefit. Instructors. —It is of paramount importance that these should be men of the best kind procurable, as on them would depend the success of the movement. Their most important duty would be to instruct the teachers by means of classes of instruction and mutual drill. By this means we should be building up a class of instructors within the Department who could hereafter be relied upon as competent men in this branch of the boys' training. I am of opinion, however, that there should be some system instituted to recognise the position of those teachers who qualify themselves by examination for the position of instructors. 1 would suggest that all who qualify themselves as such should receive acting-commissions, and that they should also be allowed to attend the classes formed from time to time by the Commandant of the School of Military Instruction. Further, their services might be recognised by the payment of a small annual grant while they acted as instructors. I have no desire to recommend a course whereby a great expense would be incurred, but I maintain that unless we have a sufficiency of instructors to encourage the movement it will be retarded considerably both as regards cadets and teachers. However great the desire may be to see teachers qualified to instruct, they must in the first instance be thoroughly instructed themselves by competent men. Classes of instruction should be formed at certain suitable centres in each education district, where the teachers could meet the instructors at stated periods, as mutually arranged. From many years' personal experience I have found that more is learned through the medium of these classes than in any other way, as more confidence and experience is thus gained. The instruction given there cannot possibly be given on parade, on account of the limited time devoted to drill. It must not be forgotten that when a person goes to a parade-ground to take charge of a squad he goes there to impart what he knows, and not to learn what he ought to know. Standing Orders. —With a view to uniformity in the details of duties, discipline, &c, throughout the cadet corps, I purpose submitting a copy of the standing orders for your approval at an early date. In accordance with your instructions I visited Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, Greymouth, Hokitika, Nelson, and Blenheim, in the South Island ; and Auckland, New Plymouth, Wanganui, and Napier, in the North Island. I personally interviewed the Mayors (Chairmen of the Coronation Demonstration Committees), the Chairmen of the various Education Boards, and Officers commanding Districts and Subdistricts at the above places. I fully explained your wishes with regard to the public-school cadets taking part in the proposed celebrations on the Coronation Day, and in each case I was informed that your wishes would be carried out, and that the cadets would be formed up on the left of the adult corps. I further, in accordance with your suggestion, brought up the question of your intention of instituting cadet corps or " detachments " at all the public schools where the conditions of enrolment, as laid down in the regulations, regarding these could be fulfilled, and you will be pleased to learn that in every case the Chairman of the Education Board entirely approved of your scheme and promised the Board's support in carrying it out. In many districts either the Chairman or the members of Education Boards hoped that no time would be lost in systematically organizing corps and battalions, issuing rifles, &c. Knowing the interest you take in the matter, 1 felt justified in informing these gentlemen that on my return to headquarters directions would be given by you to accede to their wishes without delay. The forms for enrolment which I took with me were handed over to the Secretaries of the various Education Boards as directed by you, and these are being daily returned duly filled, and I hope to supply you with a return showing the details of each corps in existence on the 13th May, 19u2, also a return showing applications for new corps or detachments. I wish to bear testimony to the kind manner in w T hich I was treated by all those with whom I had to consult on the subject of my mission.